Clinician Information

The Lifeglider can reduce the effort associated with fall prevention and anxiety management thus facilitating greater focus and attention on the therapeutic program. When patients feel safer and less likely to fall, they can engage more fully in their therapy.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year. According to the National Council on Aging, “Falls, with or without injury, also carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.”

The LifeGlider offers all the advantages of a traditional walker but eliminates several of the disadvantages; Like a traditional walker, it can improve balance by increasing the patient’s base of support, enhancing lateral stability, and supporting weight. However, it is easier to maneuver through doorways and congested areas, encourages proper posture, and allows a more natural arm swing and gait. Unlike a traditional walker which puts pressure on the shoulders, arms, and hands, it can be used hands free.

The LifeGlider does not need to be lifted, and requires less attention making it more desirable for patients who are cognitively impaired. It also encourages the user to look up and forward, rather than downward at the feet or at the floor. Further, many wheeled walkers present a risk of falling if the patient leans on the device causing it to roll away; By contrast, the LifeGlider’s security belt holds the patient’s center of gravity and cannot roll away during use.

1. (Lesley A. Rossa, Erica L. Schmidta, and Karlene Ball, Department of Psychology; Edward R. Roybal Center for Research on Applied Gerontology; University of Alabama at Birmingham. Interventions to Maintain Mobility: What Works? Published in final edited form as: Accid Anal Prev . 2013 December ; 61: . doi:10.1016/j.aap.2012.09.027.)